Combine SnO2 nanoparticles with some conductive carbonaceous materials has been regarded as one of the most effective strategies to solve the problems of poor conductivity and volume change. In this work, a SnO2/sulfonated graphene composite with 3D interpenetrating porous structure (3D SnO2/SG) was synthesized. The elaborate designed 3D SG structure not only generates an excellent electronic conductivity, but also buffers the volume expansion of the SnO2 particles. As a result, the desirable 3D possesses enhanced performance when used as anode material in lithium battery. For example, the electro-chemical results showed that the 3D SnO2/SG presents a high reversible specific capacity (928.5 mA h g(-1) at the current density of 200 mA g(-1). Even after 120 cycles, the specific capacity of 679.7 mA h g(-1) (at the current density of 400 mA g(-1)) are still maintained. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.